User Guide AX1800 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router Archer AX20 ©2020 TP-Link 1910012919 REV2.0.
Contents About This Guide..........................................................................................................1 Chapter 1. Get to Know About Your Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2. 1. 2. 2. Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7. 1. 1.Access the USB Device Locally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 7. 1. 2.Access the USB Device Remotely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 7. 2. 7. 3. 7. 1. 3.Customize the Access Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Media Sharing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13. 8. Use WPS for Wireless Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 13. 8. 1.Connect via the Client’s PIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 13. 8. 2.Connect via the Router’s PIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 13. 8. 3.Push the WPS Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 13. 9.
About This Guide This guide is a complement of Quick Installation Guide. The Quick Installation Guide instructs you on quick internet setup, and this guide provides details of each function and shows you the way to configure these functions appropriate to your needs. When using this guide, please note that features available of the router may vary by model and software version. Router‘s availability may also vary by region or ISP.
*Maximum wireless signal rates are the physical rates derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual wireless data throughput and wireless coverage are not guaranteed and will vary as a result of network conditions, client limitations, and environmental factors, including building materials, obstacles, volume and density of traffic, and client location. *Use of 802.
Chapter 2 Get to Know About Your Router This chapter introduces what the router can do and shows its appearance.
Chapter 2 2. 1. Get to Know About Your Router Product Overview TP-Link AX router, with next-generation 802.11ax Wi-Fi Technology, achieves WiFi performance at its ultimate level. The revolutionary combination of OFDMA and 1024QAM improve throughput by 4 times and dramatically increase the whole network capacity and efficiency. It’s also backwards compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac.
Chapter 2 Get to Know About Your Router LED (5GHz Wireless) Status On Off Green On (Internet) Orange On Off (Ethernet) (USB) 2. 2. 2. On Off On Off Indication The 5GHz wireless band is enabled. The 5GHz wireless band is disabled. Internet service is available. The router’s Internet port is connected, but the internet service is not available. The router’s Internet port is unplugged. At least one powered-on device is connected to the router’s LAN port.
Chapter 2 Item Reset Button WPS/Wi-Fi Button Antennas Get to Know About Your Router Description Press and hold the button until all LEDs turn on to reset the router to its factory default settings. Press the button for 1 second, and immediately press the WPS button on your client to start the WPS process. Press and hold the button for 2 seconds to turn on or off the wireless function of your router. Used for wireless operation and data transmit. Upright them for the best Wi-Fi performance.
Chapter 2 Connect the Hardware This chapter contains the following sections: • Position Your Router • Connect Your Router
Chapter 2 2. 1. Connect the Hardware Position Your Router • The product should not be located in a place where it will be exposed to moisture or excessive heat. • Place the router in a location where it can be connected to multiple devices as well as to a power source. • Make sure the cables and power cord are safely placed out of the way so they do not create a tripping hazard. • The router can be placed on a shelf or desktop.
Chapter 2 Connect the Hardware Note: Note: If the 2.4GHz LED and 5GHz LED are off, press and hold the WPS/Wi-Fi button on the back for more than 2 seconds, then release the button. Both the LEDs should turn solid on. 5. Connect your computer to the router. • Method 1: Wired Turn off the Wi-Fi on your computer and connect the devices to the router via an Ethernet cable. • Method 2: Wirelessly 1 ) Find the SSID (Network Name) and Wireless Password printed on the label at the bottom of the router.
Chapter 3 Log In to Your Router
Chapter 3 Log In to Your Router With a web-based utility, it is easy to configure and manage the router. The web-based utility can be used on any Windows, Mac OS or UNIX OS with a Web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Apple Safari. Follow the steps below to log in to your router. 1. Set up the TCP/IP Protocol in Obtain an IP address automatically mode on your computer. 2. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and create a login password for secure management purposes.
Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection This chapter introduces how to connect your router to the internet. The router is equipped with a web-based Quick Setup wizard. It has necessary ISP information built in, automates many of the steps and verifies that those steps have been successfully completed. Furthermore, you can also set up an IPv6 connection if your ISP provides IPv6 service.
Chapter 4 4. 1. Set Up Internet Connection Use Quick Setup Wizard The Quick Setup Wizard will guide you to set up your router. Tips: If you need the IPv6 internet connection, please refer to the section of Set Up an IPv6 Internet Connection. Follow the steps below to set up your router. 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with the password you set for the router. 2.
Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection OR 2. Log in with your TP-Link ID. If you don’t have the TP-Link ID, create one first. 3. Connect your device to the router’s wireless network. 4. Launch the Tether app, tap the + button and select Router > Wireless Router. Follow the steps to complete the setup and connect to the internet. 5. Connect your devices to the newly configured wireless networks of the router and enjoy the internet! 4. 3.
Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection 2 ) If you choose Static IP, enter the information provided by your ISP in the corresponding fields. 3 ) If you choose PPPoE, enter the username and password provided by your ISP. PPPoE users usually have DSL cable modems.
Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection 4 ) If you choose L2TP, enter the username and password and choose the Secondary Connection provided by your ISP. Different parameters are needed according to the Secondary Connection you have chosen. 5 ) If you choose PPTP, enter the username and password, and choose the Secondary Connection provided by your ISP. Different parameters are needed according to the Secondary Connection you have chosen. 5. Click Save.
Chapter 4 4. 4. Set Up Internet Connection Set Up the Router as an Access Point The router can work as an access point, transforming your existing wired network to a wireless one. 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router. 2. Go to Advanced > System > Operation Mode, select Access Point and click Save. The router will reboot and switch to Access Point mode. 3.
Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection 2. Go to Advanced > IPv6. 3. Enable IPv6 and select the internet connection type provided by your ISP. Tips: If you do not know what your internet connection type is, contact your ISP or judge according to the already known information provided by your ISP. 4. Fill in information as required by different connection types. 1 ) Static IP: Fill in blanks and click Save. 2 ) Dynamic IP(SLAAC/DHCPv6): Click Advanced to input further information if your ISP requires.
Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection Note: If your ISP provides two separate accounts for the IPv4 and IPv6 connections, manually enter the username and password for the IPv6 connection. 4 ) 6to4 Tunnel: An IPv4 internet connection type is a prerequisite for this connection type (Manually Set Up Your Internet Connection). Click Advanced to input further information if your ISP requires. Click Save and then click Connect. 5 ) Pass-Through (Bridge): Click Save and skip to Step 6.
Chapter 4 Set Up Internet Connection 5. Configure LAN ports. Windows users are recommended to choose from the first two types. Fill in Address Prefix provided by your ISP, and click Save. 6. Click Status to check whether you have successfully set up an IPv6 connection. Tips: Visit the FAQ section if there is no internet connection.
Chapter 5 TP-Link Cloud Service TP-Link Cloud service provides a better way to manage your cloud devices. Log in to your router with a TP-Link ID, and you can easily monitor and manage your home network when you are out and about via the Tether app. To ensure that your router stays new and gets better over time, the TP-Link Cloud will notify you when an important firmware upgrade is available. Surely you can also manage multiple TP-Link Cloud devices with a single TP-Link ID.
Chapter 5 5. 1. TP-Link Cloud Service Register a TP-Link ID If you have skipped the registration during the Quick Setup process, you can: 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with the password you set for the router. 2. Go to Advanced > TP-Link ID or click TP-Link ID on the very top of the page. 3. Click Sign Up and follow the instructions to register a TP-Link ID. 4. After activating your TP-Link ID, come back to the TP-Link ID page to log in.
Chapter 5 • TP-Link Cloud Service To change your password: 1. Click behind the Password. 5. 3. Manage the User TP-Link IDs 2. Enter the current password, then a new password twice. And click Save. The TP-Link ID used to log in to the router for the first time will be automatically bound as the Admin account.
Chapter 5 TP-Link Cloud Service from the same router as Users. All accounts can monitor and manage the router locally or remotely, but user accounts cannot: • Reset the router to its factory default settings either on the web management page or in the Tether app. • Add/remove other TP-Link IDs to/from the router. 5. 3. 1. Add TP-Link ID to Manage the Router 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID. 2. Go to Advanced > TP-Link ID, and focus on the Bound Accounts section. 3.
Chapter 5 5. 4. TP-Link Cloud Service Manage the Router via the TP-Link Tether App The Tether app runs on iOS and Android devices, such as smartphones and tablets. 1. Launch the Apple App Store or Google Play store and search “TP-Link Tether” or simply scan the QR code to download and install the app. OR 2. Launch the Tether app and log in with your TP-Link ID. Note: If you don’t have a TP-Link ID, create one first. 3. Connect your device to the router’s wireless network. 4.
Chapter 6 Guest Network This function allows you to provide Wi-Fi access for guests without disclosing your main network. When you have guests in your house, apartment, or workplace, you can create a guest network for them. In addition, you can customize guest network options to ensure network security and privacy.
Chapter 6 6. 1. Guest Network Create a Network for Guests 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router. 2. Go to Advanced > Wireless > Guest Network or click Wireless on the top page. Locate the Guest Network section. 3. Create a guest network as needed. 1 ) Tick the Enable checkbox for the 2.4GHz or 5GHz wireless network. 2 ) Customize the SSID.
Chapter 6 Guest Network 4. Click Save. Now your guests can access your guest network using the SSID and password you set! 5. You can also click Sharing Network to share the SSID and password to your guests. Tips: To view guest network information, go to Network Map and locate the Guest Network section. You can turn on or off the guest network function conveniently. 6. 2. Customize Guest Network Options 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.
Chapter 6 Guest Network Tick this checkbox if you want to allow the wireless clients on your guest network to communicate with each other via methods such as network neighbors and Ping. • Allow guests to access your local network Tick this checkbox if you want to allow the wireless clients on your guest network to communicate with the devices connected to your router’s LAN ports or main network via methods such as network neighbors and Ping. 4. Click Save.
Chapter 7 USB Settings This chapter describes how to use the USB ports to share files and media from the USB storage devices over your home network locally, or remotely through the internet. The router supports USB external flash drives and hard drives.
Chapter 7 7. 1. USB Settings Access the USB Storage Device Insert your USB storage device into the router’s USB port and then access files stored there locally or remotely. • • • • Tips: If you use USB hubs, make sure no more than 4 devices are connected to the router. If the USB storage device requires using bundled external power, make sure the external power has been connected. If you use a USB hard drive, make sure its file system is FAT32, exFat, NTFS or HFS+.
Chapter 7 USB Settings • Windows computer Method 2: Open the Windows Explorer (or go to Computer) and type the server address \\tplinkwifi.net or ftp://tplinkwifi.net in the address bar, then press Enter. 1 ) Select Go > Connect to Server. 2 ) Type the server address smb://tplinkwifi.net. 3 ) Click Connect. Mac 4 ) When prompted, select the Guest radio box. (If you have set up a username and a password to deny anonymous access to the USB disks, you should select the Registered User radio box.
Chapter 7 USB Settings • Share photos and other large files with your friends without logging in to (and paying for) a photo-sharing site or email system. • Get a safe backup for the materials for a presentation. • Remove the files on your camera’s memory card from time to time during the journey. Note: If your ISP assigns a private WAN IP address (such as 192.168.x.x or 10.x.x.x), you cannot use this feature because private addresses are not routed on the internet.
Chapter 7 USB Settings 1 ) Open the Windows Explorer (or go to Computer, only for Windows users) or open a web browser. 2 ) Type the server address in the address bar: Type in ftp://: (such as ftp://59.40.2.243:21). If you have specified the domain name of the router, you can also type in ftp://: (such as ftp://MyDomainName:21) Computer 3 ) Press Enter on the keyboard.
Chapter 7 USB Settings 2. Now you can access the USB storage device by visiting \\MyShare (for Windows) or smb://MyShare (for Mac). • To Only Share Specific Content • To Set Up Authentication for Data Security Focus on the File Sharing section. Specify sharing folders that you want to share and click Save. You can set up authentication for your USB storage device so that network clients will be required to enter username and password when accessing the USB storage device. 1.
Chapter 7 USB Settings 2. Click to modify the access account. The username and password are both admin for default administrator account, and both visit for default visitor account. Accessing as an administrator can read and modify the shared folders while visitors can only read the shared folders. Note: 1. For Windows users, do not set the sharing username the same as the Windows username.
Chapter 7 USB Settings • Go to Computer > Network, then click the Media Server Name (Model number-share by default) in the Media Devices section. Note: Here we take Windows 7 as an example. Windows Computer Tablet 7. 3. • Use a third-party DLNA-supported player. Time Machine Time Machine backs up all files on your Mac computer to a USB storage device connected to your router. 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router. 2.
Chapter 7 USB Settings 3. Tick the checkbox to enable Time Machine. 4. Click Select to select a location for Time Machine backups. 5. Set the Size Limit for Backups. Note: 0 means no limit for the space. 6. Click Save.
Chapter 8 Parental Controls This function allows you to block inappropriate, explicit and malicious websites, and control access to specified websites at specified time.
Chapter 8 8. 1. Parental Controls Setting Up Access Restrictions I want to: Block access to inappropriate online content for my child’s devices, restrict internet access to 2 hours every day and block internet access during bed time (10 PM to 7 AM) on weekdays. How can I do that? 1. Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router. 2. Go to Advanced > Parental Controls. 3. Click to create a profile for a family member. 4.
Chapter 8 Parental Controls 1 ) Enter a keyword (for example, “Facebook”) or a URL (for example, “www. facebook.com”). All websites containing the keywords will be blocked. 2 ) Click Next. 6. Set time restrictions on internet access. 1 ) Enable Time Limits on Monday to Friday and Saturday & Sunday then set the allowed online time to 2 hours each day.
Chapter 8 Parental Controls 2 ) Enable Bed Time and use the up/down arrows or enter times in the fields. Devices under this profile will be unable to access the internet during this time period. Note: School Nights are from Sunday to Thursday. 3 ) Click Save. Done! The amount of time your child spends online is controlled and inappropriate content is blocked on their devices. 8. 2.
Chapter 8 Parental Controls Done! You can now check up on your child’s online activities.
Chapter 9 QoS This chapter introduces how to create a QoS (Quality of Service) rule to specify prioritization of traffic and minimize the impact caused when the connection is under heavy load.
Chapter 9 QoS I want to: Specify priority levels for some devices or applications. For example, I have several devices that are connected to my wireless network. I would like to set an intermediate speed on the internet for my computer for the next 2 hours. How can I do that? 1. Enable QoS and set bandwidth allocation. 1 ) Visit http://tplinkwifi.net, and log in with your TP-Link ID or the password you set for the router. 2 ) Go to Advanced > QoS > Global Settings. 3 ) Tick to enable QoS.
Chapter 10 OneMesh with Seamless Roaming This chapter introduces the TP-Link OneMeshTM feature.
Chapter 10 OneMesh with Seamless Roaming TP-Link OneMesh router and TP-Link OneMesh extenders work together to form one unified Wi-Fi network. Walk through your home and stay connected with the fastest possible speeds thanks to OneMesh’s seamless coverage. SAME INTERNE T Network Name & Password for seamless roaming Unified Wi-Fi Network Router and extenders share the same wireless settings, including network name, password, access control settings and more.